Meet The Residents: Edward Chan

After just a few minutes with Edward Chan and his daughter, Pam, it’s clear why he was chosen for our first ever “Resident Spotlight” feature. His smile is truly contagious. He’s peaceful, happy, and overflowing with joy and pride for his family.

At 99 years old, Ed is a decorated WWII veteran. Most recently he received the French Legion Medal of Honor and was recognized as a Chinese American soldier with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. Monmouth County even declared April 6, 2022, “Edward Chan Day”…but he doesn’t want to talk about that. He would rather talk about how he met his late wife, Ellen, in Chinatown and how they were married for almost 60 years. He can’t stop gushing over his 5 daughters, 5 sons-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He is so incredibly proud of the family he’s grown – as he should be!

Ed is as sharp as a tack. It’s no surprise that he was a teacher and reading specialist in his younger days. Thanks to the GI Bill, he attended NYU for undergrad and Columbia for his graduate degree in teaching. Now that he lives at Monmouth Crossing, he keeps himself mentally active by reading every single day – The New Yorker and The New York Times in particular.

Pam, Ed’s youngest daughter, is the one who was instrumental in finding just the right assisted living for her father. When she found Monmouth Crossing online, she decided to pop in unannounced. Pam’s first tour was with Debbie. Pam had worked as an Activities Director in assisted living herself for over 12 years – but she didn’t want Debbie or the staff to know that. She knew that we were close to Ed’s doctors and his church. She knew that we had a convenient location that was close to the hospital and Pam’s sister nearby. What she didn’t know was the feeling she would get when she walked in the front door. Pam describes a “genuine kindness” that she felt on her first visit. When she saw the interactions of the residents and staff, she knew that she had found the perfect home for her dad.

Ed couldn’t agree more. He loves the activities that Monmouth Crossing offers. With his constant thirst for knowledge, it’s no surprise that Ed is an active member of the Men’s Club. Ed even had the chance to do what he does best and “teach” the residents and staff about Chinese New Year and the customs and traditions that are so special to him and his family. For entertainment, concerts are his favorite, especially the singers who perform the Rat Pack songs. He can’t resist singing along to “New York, New York” just like a true New York Yankees fan. He enjoys playing games like chess, Chinese checkers and cards with other residents. Mealtimes are great as well. Ed loves having a variety of options, and engaging conversation with his peers. Something that he was missing before moving to Monmouth Crossing.

As for us at Monmouth Crossing, we couldn’t be happier that Ed chose to make his home here. His smile lights up our hallways and his easy-going attitude is truly delightful. We look forward to helping Ed live his life to the fullest each and every day! 

Learn more about the engaging lifestyle at Monmouth Crossing here.